March

OBS

Who would have thought that spending 4 days and 3 nights on
an island far away from home would end up being one of our most memorable
experiences? The OBS camp, held at Pulau Ubin from 22-25 February 2016, was not
just a mere “outdoor camp”; it was something worth all the mosquito bites and
sun burns. This camp aims to develop ruggedness in us as we learn responsible
decision making skills (and experiencing the results of our decisions),
managing and exercising interpersonal skills and compassion. While we were
under the harsh sun, we persevered through the weather and survived! Trekking
for more than 4km with a load that could easily pass 10 kg and kayaking under
the scorching hot sun made us realise how grateful we were to be in a modern
world like Singapore. The High Elements
taught us that there really is no limit to anything. At the end of the day, it
is our fear of stepping out of our comfort zone and trusting ourselves,
including the others in our team that is preventing us from achieving our
goals. The different outdoor experiences like camping and outdoor cooking
allowed us to put ourselves in the shoes of our parents or helpers who have
always been doing the chores at home. All in all, OBS was surely an experience
that will always stay with us. The tears and sweat that went into the camp
created this strong bond between the watch which brought us closer to one
another.

Reported by Siti Aqidah, 3G1

The m-Learning Parents’ Seminar @
Crescent

The m-Learning Parents’ Seminar @ Crescent was
held on 19th February 2016 to share with parents the school’s
programmes to equip students with real-world skills.

The evening started off with an interaction
session between the parents and the Secondary 1 Form Teachers. This was then
followed by our Principal, Mrs Tan Chen Kee, sharing details about Crescent’s various
programmes with parents. Some of them included Character and Citizenship
Education and the Values-In-Action Programme to develop values and empathy in
students. Mrs Tan also talked about the 21st Century Competencies
and how Crescent’s m-Learning programme enable Crescentians to learn how to use
digital technology efficiently and safely.

Following the address, parents were then
invited to view a showcase put up by the Secondary 2 and 3 students who shared
their experiences with using their personal learning devices. Students
showcased the use of their devices in subjects such as Communicative Arts,
Biology, Mother Tongue Language and Lower Secondary Computer Education
Programme and how technology enhanced their learning. They also spoke about how
learning to use various software programmes such as Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop
helped them enhance their IT skills and how this afforded them a wider range of
lesson activities. Other platforms showcased included Crescent’s very own
Students Repository, which serves as a resource banking site, and Spectrum,
which caters to bite-sized learning activities for students to learn and hone their
skills in various subjects. The student presenters also shared how planning and
doing their lesson work on personal learning devices had helped them complete
their projects and assignments efficiently taught them how to better use their
time.

All in all the seminar was well-received by
parents who felt that they now had a clearer understanding of how Crescent
enables effective teaching and learning through the m-Learning programme.

Reported by Mrithini Gritharan (2G2)

2016 Internationalisation Trip: Cambodia

On 7th March 2016, 40 Secondary 2 Crescentians and 4 teachers embarked on a 5-day long International Service Learning journey to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Not knowing what to expect, each one of us was exhilarated. We knew that this trip was not a holiday, but for us to serve and learn from the Cambodians.

My excitement grew upon touching down at Phnom Penh International Airport. We boarded the coach, and set off with high spirits. Our tour guide took us through Cambodian history and politics. After visiting the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and hearing about its chilling past, I realised that there was really a lot that we should learn in order to ensure that the dark history of Cambodia does not repeat itself.

Apart from teaching and conducting games, we also helped out in the painting of the school, and farmed in the orphanage’s garden. We did not expect the activities to be as physically and mentally challenging as it turned out to be. This experience made us feel much more grateful and appreciative towards those around us who undertake similarly unsightly but necessary jobs back at home.

Over the course of the next 3 days, we conducted our community service at Samrong Orphanage andPuon Phnom Primary School. Initially we feared that the students would be shy and nervous around us, however, we were proven wrong as the students were welcoming and participative in all of the activities we had prepared for them. However, the thing that really struck me was their buoyant attitude towards learning, despite the poor conditions of the classrooms. I reflected on my attitude towards learning and school, and even though we have considerably ideal studying conditions, I often take it for granted and am negative towards learning and lethargic in school. This, I told myself has to change!

Our 5-day trip was really an enriching one with many memorable moments. We realised how many things we have been taking for granted all this while, that some would feel privileged to have. As we go on with our busy lifestyles, we should keep in our minds the Cambodian children, and treasure the little things in our lives.

Reported by: Kamalini K (2C2)

2016 Internationalisation Trip: Bintan

Early in the morning of 7th March, 4 teachers
and 32 students took the ferry from Tenah Merah
Ferry Terminal to Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal in Bintan. Everyone could
not wait to begin their Secondary 2 Internationalisation trip!

We visited the Bintan Eco Farm for an
educational tour and saw different types of trees, plants and animals. We
tasted ripe fruits and had fun learning how to make rojak!

Thereafter, we proceeded to Anugerah Orphanage
in which we spent our next three days at, interacting with and engaging the
orphans in a lot of activities such as how to create music using bells, and
doing art and craft using our own fingers. We encountered difficulties like
language barrier and how to keep them engaged in our activities soon overcame
them.

We also had an opportunity to learn how to plant.
The weather was scorching hot but we had fun. On the last day, we combined
groups to choreograph our own performances and the orphans also sang for us.

On the 2nd day, we went to visit a local
school, SMPN 7 Tanjung Pinang. The school warmly welcomed us with their
performances by their different CCA groups. In exchange, we sang our school
song, danced our very own school mass dance and belted out our school cheers
with pride. We even invited them to dance together with us. It was really
memorable and enjoyed by everyone. They also showed us their very own garden
which had plants that did not require soil on which to grow. It was amazing!
Our teacher in-charge, Mr Charles Ng presented with them a Batik painting as a
form of appreciation. Before we left, they presented us with some gifts too.

At the end of the day, in the act of giving,
we also learnt from the people over there how to be contented with what we
have. We learnt how to appreciate and cherish the things and people around us
and not take them for granted. Lastly, ending off with a quote by Denis Waitley
“Happiness cannot be travelled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness
is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and
gratitude”.

Reported by
GladysPoh (2S1)

2016 Internationalisation Trip: Malacca

On 7th March, 14 of us from different classes, along with two
teachers, embarked on our 5-day Sec 2 Internationalization Trip to Malacca. Our
initial awkwardness with one another was eventually overcome by our common
goal: to do our service learning abroad. The weeks before our departure were
spent planning and practising hard for the activities we would be carrying out during
the service learning at Beringin Park Melaka Old Folks Home, Sri Ramakrishna
Orphanage and Hopehaven Centre for Special Children.

The appreciation from our respective audiences made the hard
work worthwhile. We had an enriching time at the Old Folks’ home, carrying out
other activities such singing karaoke, doing light exercises and interacting
with the elderly residents. Despite the language barrier as they spoke mainly
Tamil, we also enjoyed interacting and playing games with the friendly children
in the orphanage. We learnt that most of the children there were from poor,
single-parent households. At the Hopehaven Centre, we spent the day doing light
chores such as cleaning the fans, gardening and cutting pieces of cloth for the
children’s handicraft work, which were impressive. The children there were very
happy to meet us and participated enthusiastically in the organised games.

At the MOZAC, a premier school that we visited, our mutual
cultural exchange programme gave us both valuable insights into our respective
schools’ histories, cultures and countries. The students were very hospitable,
and despite the short visit, we became friends and even exchanged email
addresses. It was one of the most memorable moments in our entire journey!

To learn about Malaccan culture, we visited heritage sites
such as Cheng-ho museum, Baba Nyonya museum and Saint Xaviers’ Church. We especially
enjoyed the Malacca River Cruise and the walk down historical Jonker street.

This trip was in every respect a success as not only have we
forged lasting friendships, learnt about
the rich history of Malacca, but, above all, realised how fortunate we are to
be born into loving families. All of us would love to go on another
internationalisation trip in the future.

Reported by Viswanathababu Gurupriya (2G2), Sasmithaa (2S2)

Total Defence Day

It was on a
Tuesday, 16 February 2016, that Crescent Girls’ School commemorated Total
Defence Day – the very day in which the British surrendered to the Japanese in
1942. We began the day with the parade of the various uniformed groups and our
Principal delivered a poignant speech that reminded us of the historical
significance of this event and that Singapore is our home that is worth
defending.

This year,
Total Defence Day was commemorated through a game-based learning approach which
was based on the theme “Together We Keep Singapore Strong”. The CrezAmbassadors
collaborated with the NE Committee teachers to come up with a Total Defence
version of the Monopoly board game. In playing the game, we learnt how certain
events like economic recessions could have certain negative repercussions on
Singapore. We also learnt how our individual actions could bring about positive
or negative impacts on the total defence of Singapore. For example, by being
trained in first aid empowers us to share our knowledge with others and help
save others in times of need. This contributes to civil defence. Yet another
takeaway from the event cards would be Skills Future which is an initiative to
help Singaporeans stay relevant and employable in an increasingly competitive
global economy. This contributes to economic defence as no one owes us a living
and thus, we must all possess some means of supporting ourselves and not rely
on the government for everything.

During the two
hours, all students were engaged in and enriched by the game. Aside from the commemorative events on
Tuesday, Total Defence was also commemorated throughout the week with the
Share-A-Thought skit related to this year’s theme, as well as playing the
updated Total Defence song “There’s A Part For Everyone” over the PA system on
campus prior to flag-raising for the entire week. All in all, it was truly a
fulfilling and thought-provoking experience that emphasised the importance and
responsibilities of citizenship.

Reported by Samyuktha Omprakash (3C1), Ow Rui
Qi Rachel (4S3)

International Friendship Day 2016

On 5th
April 2016, Crescent Girls’ School commemorated International Friendship Day
(IFD) with the theme “We Love ASEAN - Strengthening Ties Across Borders”.

During CCE lessons,
the students discussed Singapore’s ties with the various ASEAN (Association of
Southeast Asian Nations) countries. They came up with very captivating collages
on the different ASEAN countries and their relations with Singapore. In doing
so, students realised the importance of these regional ties and how they are
essentially imperative to regional stability and the sustainable development of
ASEAN.

In the
assembly programme that followed, the Crescentians were given insights into the history and objectives of
ASEAN before being quizzed. Thereafter, Crescentians
were treated to our very own Miss ASEAN fashion runway. Eight CrezAmbassadors represented the 10 ASEAN
countries by donning these countries’ traditional costumes and sashayed down
the runway in the auditorium, whilst maintaining their poise and elegance.
Crescentians were able to feast their eyes on the dazzling outfits that
highlighted the cultural diversity of the various countries. At the same time,
they were also further enlightened by the emcees on the unique relationships
Singapore has with each ASEAN country.

Following that, Crescentians
enjoyed a special performance by the Sekolah Kebangsaan Indonesia and the
Indonesian Embassy — a traditional yet interactive folk dance and a more modern
dance item. The performance was well-received with applause and cheers from the
audience.

This has been an enjoyable and
truly enriching experience for the CrezAmbassadors who stepped up to the
occasion. As student leaders who support the school in championing citizenship
education causes, we look forward to planning many more of such enriching and
entertaining commemorative programs for the student body in future.

Reported by Samyuktha Omprakash (3C1)

2016 Internationalisation Trip: Hunan

If you ask any Crescentian about their
Internationalisation experience, most will say that it was an enriching, and of
course, fun experience. My internationalisation trip to Hunan, China was no
different. During the six days in Hunan, there were many instances when the
customs and cultural practices helped me realize that there is a bigger world
out there, with plenty to learn. The trip left me humbled, to reflect on what I
have and who I am.

Through the various service-learning activities done at
the local schools with the students, I learned more about the lives of the
students there. As I conducted the English lessons for them, I was struck by
the students’ hunger for knowledge. Their passion for learning made me want to
give my best for the lessons. As I gave, I also received. It was a hands-on
experience that did not allow us to sit on the sidelines and watch.

After this service-learning trip, I understood the true
meaning of the Crescentian value of generosity. By giving my time and attention
unreservedly, and by being present there and then, the trip has allowed me to
better appreciate the school and lessons I go through. The experience has taught
me the meaning of “When I serve, I serve. When I give, I give. When I love, I
love. When I study, I study. And when I play, I play.”

Reported by Ardelia Isa (2C1)

2016
Internationalisation Trip: Shantou

On
the morning of 5 March 2016, the group of 35 Crescentians and 4 accompanying
teachers gathered at Changi Airport Terminal 2 for our Secondary 2
Internationalisation trip to Shantou, China. Although it was only 5 am in the
morning, there was little feeling of tiredness amongst us as we were all
feeling excited to be travelling with our peers since this was the first time
that we were travelling without our parents for many of us. We set off happily
into the departure hall, embarking on a life-changing experience that awaited
us.

During
the trip, we spent 4 days at Pengzhou School, a local primary school, to carry
out our CIP activity. The 35 of us were split into groups and we had spent our
training session prior to the trip planning for the classroom activities to
carry out with the Primary 1 – 4 classes that were pre-assigned to us. The
activities planned ranged from playing outdoor games such as Captain’s Ball to
teaching the young children basic conversational English and simple origami
crafts. After spending close to two months of planning, we were really excited
to finally able to execute the lessons in the classrooms. However, we were also
feeling anxious and nervous as we were unsure of what was awaiting us in the
classrooms since it was the first time for us to experience being a teacher. As
part of our CIP activity, we also designed a mural to be painted on the
external walls of the classrooms. Our 4 days at the primary school flashed by
quickly as we interacted with the students during the lessons and took turns
completing the mural painting in between our assigned lessons. Our last day in
the school was really emotional as over the past 4 days, many of us had bonded
with the students assigned to us and we were all feeling sad that we had to bid
farewell so soon. The school held a farewell ceremony for us during which the
Primary 4 students performed a lovely dance.

During
the trip, we also got the opportunity to visit iconic sites of Shantou and Chao
Zhou to learn about the region’s rich history. At the Shantou Qiao Pi Museum, we
learnt about the struggles of the Chinese immigrants who had left their
hometown to work in ASEAN regions in the hope of supporting their family. It
was an interesting learning journey, especially when we were able to trace back
a few key Singaporean philanthropists and their contribution towards
nation-building in both Singapore and China.

The
8-day Internationalisation trip had been an eye-opening experience for us as it
allowed us to take on a different perspective and we learnt to be appreciative
of what we have and the people around us. We also learned to put others before
self and think before acting. Although we had our fair share of problems
communicating with the students during our CIP activity and getting them to
listen and follow the instructions, we were proud that we rose to the
challenges and managed to improvise our planned lessons and execute them
smoothly in class. The nightly debriefs with the teachers also helped us to see
the problems we faced in the classrooms from different perspectives and relate
back to our experience in Singapore.